Secretary for Education visits Southern District (with photos)
*******************************************************

     The Secretary for Education, Mr Michael Suen, today (March 25) visited the Southern District, a district with beautiful natural scenery and modern community development. Mr Suen saw for himself the latest development of the district, in particular the education and youth support services.

     Apart from visiting a primary school to understand how the school has applied information technology in teaching and learning, Mr Suen paid a visit to an integrated services centre which provided diversified services to the local community. He also had a meeting with members of the Southern District Council and the Area Committee to exchange views on various topics.

     On arrival at the Precious Blood Primary School (South Horizons), Mr Suen was briefed by Principal Lee Sai-wa on the application of information technology in teaching and learning.  He also observed lessons of different grades to see how the school has made use of advanced technologies and Internet resources to enhance teaching effectiveness.

     Mr Suen first watched a class of Primary Six students debating at a Chinese Language lesson. He was pleased to see that students have participated enthusiastically and appreciated their thorough understanding and analysis of the debate topic.

     Mr Suen then came to a Primary Four class where students, under the "one student, one computer" arrangement, have made use of electronic and Internet resources to learn mathematics. Through the computer system, the teacher could instantly know students' learning progress which would greatly enhance teaching and learning effectiveness. Mr Suen next observed an English lesson where the teacher has made use of electronic whiteboard to teach Primary One student English.  With enhanced interactivity and the use of colourful images, the young students have shown keen interest in learning English.

     During the visit, Mr Suen was interviewed by student reporters of the campus TV.  The Precious Blood Primary School (South Horizons) received funding from the Quality Education Fund to implement the "Creative iShow - high density TV scheme".  Through the use of digital media and production of TV programmes, students have managed to strengthen their generic skills and performing talents while teachers could make use of new media technologies to enhance teaching effectiveness.

     Mr Suen then proceeded to TWGHs Jockey Club Lei Tung Integrated Services Centre to learn more about the diversified services provided to children, young people, parents and the community.

     Mr Suen visited various services tailor-made for the young people, including a photo studio set up to support youth employment and the "Esteem Shooting Group" which aimed to promote personal growth. Mr Suen took a portrait at the studio and watched a musical performance by the youngsters.

     Mr Suen also chatted with a group of young people and parents who have received services from the Centre, and was glad to learn that the services had helped them improve their family relationship.  

     Before concluding the visit, Mr Suen met with the district representatives to exchange views on various education and local issues.

Ends/Thursday, March 25, 2010
Issued at HKT 19:17

NNNN